‘We Used to Train in a Small Garage’: 40 Girls Break Stereotype in Gaza, Palestine by Doing Boxing Training With Posters of Legend’s Like Mike Tyson on the Wall in Their Gym

Despite the challenges faced in a region characterized by ongoing conflict and instability, a group of young females in Gaza are challenging societal norms by engaging in the sport of boxing. Started six years ago, under the vision and passion of Coach Osama Ayoub, the club has increased from a starting number of just a couple of girls to 40 today. The enthusiasm with which these girls practice boxing even after living in one of the world’s most conflicted areas, these girls are proving that nothing is impossible.

The Gaza Strip is a small Palestinian territory located between Egypt and Israel. This region has been facing a humanitarian crisis. This happened as a result of ongoing tension between Hamas and Israel. The region is currently under the control of Hamas. It has been greatly affected by the conflict, leading to significant impacts on the economy and the daily lives of its citizens.

Breaking Stereotypes: The Palestine Boxing Center for Women in Gaza

The Boxing Center serves as a source of inspiration in an area where opportunities for young girls are scarce. The boxing center provides daily training sessions of 1.5 hours for girls between the ages of 8 to 29. The girls train in a full-size boxing ring, equipped with training materials. There are also posters of iconic boxing figures, such as Mike Tyson, hanging on the walls. This provides a stark contrast to the small garage where they initially trained. Their struggle resembles that of the inspiring tale of Katie Taylor.

For young athletes, the club serves as more than just a place to hone their skills. It provides an escape from the daily pressure faced by the 2.3 million Palestinians living in the blockaded Gaza Strip. Farah Abu Al-Qomsan channels her energy and focuses on something positive through boxing, which she has been practicing since the age of nine. She said, “We used to train in a small garage. Now we train according to the full rules and release bad energy.”

In an interview with Reuters, Coach Ayoub said that he is proud of the progress made at the Palestine Boxing Centre having started with just two girls. He said, “The girls are ready. I trained them hard for five years,” expressing his pride. He also added that they are setting an example for others.

Read More: Boxing World Reacts as Female Boxer Looks Like She’s ‘Got Hit With an Axe’

A Symbol of Inspiration: The Palestine Boxing Centre and its Impact on Young Girls in the Gaza Strip

Young female boxers still face a lot of challenges, even after all the advances that have been made. There are still some in the region who feel skeptical about girls participating in the sport.

Farah shared that “Some people used to tell me ‘Why boxing? What are you going to benefit from it? Go and learn something girly’.” Farah’s goal is to represent her Palestinian community and participate in world championships.

The Palestine Boxing Center is not just a training facility, but also a symbol of hope and perseverance in a conflict-ridden region. The young girls are defying social norms by participating in a male-dominated sport. Their determination to succeed despite all the challenges serves as an inspiration to all of us.

Watch This Story: 5 Most Exciting Female Boxers You Should Know (2021)